Chapter Text
Two years have passed since Rang’s death but even after getting his life back and settling in once more Yeon couldn’t help but feel a great sadness for his younger brother whom he couldn’t save. Rang’s phone and message he had left for Yeon was still with Yeon. Occasionally Yeon would take the phone out from his dresser beside his and Ji ah’s bed and listen to the message and every time he would cry more after listening to it. The words his younger brother used before the video cut “My Hyung” was forever embedded into Yeon’s head. The pain and sadness behind his younger brother’s words and knowing that it was Rang’s last words to Yeon broke his heart even more.
Anything, Yeon would do anything to make it right and see his brother one last time. To tell him all the things he wanted to but never had the right words to say. To spend time with his younger brother one last time and see that smile of his was all Yeon wanted, but it was more or less just in his mind.
“Yeon? Are you okay you’ve been staring at the wall for quite some time.” Ji ah interrupted Yeon’s thoughts as he immediately turned around to face Ji Ah and smiled.
“Everything’s okay Ji ah don’t worry, just a little tired.” Yeon spoke as he smiled softly at Ji Ah who grinned and gave a quick cheek kiss to Yeon.
“Well if you’re tired you should go back to sleep it’s only eight in the morning, I’m going to head to work I’ll see you later jagiya.” Ji ah muttered as she waved at Yeon who waved back, then she opened the door and disappeared into the outside world leaving Yeon alone once more with his thoughts.
After getting married Yeon and Ji ah had gotten busier. Ji ah worked full time and long hours at the office. Yeon also worked, a more comfier job to say the least; a writer. Yeon hadn’t initially taken interest in books or reading but soon after reading one of the books recommended by Yuri he had found his new interest. He started reading almost every day and by the end of last year he finished around seventy books. Soon after reading he started writing. It wasn’t easy at first but with determination and hard work Yeon was able to write his first book and publish it.
Ji ah had been thrilled when she heard that Yeon had taken a liking to writing and even helped Yeon with his inspiration in writing. Shin joo and Yuri were supportive friends who encouraged Yeon and even bought his book. But it wasn’t easy being a writer and since writing his book Yeon had lacked inspiration and only started writing a few chapters of his new book.
Sighing Yeon got up from the bed and got ready for another day. No matter the day Yeon always had time to get ready in the most stylish fashion. Today he wore a dark blue suit with a white shirt underneath topped with a black tie and spotless black dress shoes. Always fashionable was Yeon’s style and Ji ah loved every outfit Yeon wore because he made it classy. Then before Yeon could forget he grabbed his small backpack with his notebooks and his small laptop that laid on top of Ji ah’s desk which was filled with dozens of papers amongst other work filled things. After getting ready Yeon made his way to the kitchen not bothering to make anything he simply picked up his phone and keys from the counter, taking one last glance at the house he opened the door and walked out.
Yeon knew where he would be going, and although it was a short distance he liked to take detours to make the walk more longer. He admired the views of the bustling city with people up so early and bright going to school and work. He admired these people they all had a goal in life they all had their fair shares of ups and downs and Yeon related to that his life was far from perfect, he made plenty of mistakes and the biggest one was not being there for Rang when he needed to be and everyday he regretted not being able to spend as much time with Rang, and everyday he silently wished for the same thing.
The one place of solace from his worries and troubles is the library. A place where Yeon goes to take his mind off of the increasing worries he may have. It’s a place of comfort for him where he can dive into books and read in his own little corner of the big library space, some days he finds himself immersed in a wide variety of books, Yeon would read for hours and hours on end losing track of time sometimes as he would read until the library closed at 5pm sharp.
Today Yeon made his way into the already familiar library in hopes of continuing to write his book. He roamed the long halls of the library watching as people were seated at the tables reading, writing, typing away at their computers and chatting with others. Yeon had gone to the library a lot and on some occasions he even brought Ji ah along, although Ji ah was more productive than him finishing all her paperwork in an hour while Yeon had spend most of his time staring at three sentences he had managed to write on the computer. Today though it was different, today Yeon would be productive and write as much as he can because this is his passion.
Yeon took a seat at a white circular table at the far end of the library. He placed his backpack on the table unzipping it and taking his laptop out. While doing this one of his notebook’s had fallen out of the bag. Yeon sighed and reached down to get the notebook, he picked the notebook up but before he could put it back he noticed a picture on the floor, a picture of him and Rang.
Yeon put the notebook on the table and carefully reached down to pick the picture up. He picked it up and smiled, it was a picture of him and Rang when they had gone to the cafe and enjoyed drinks together. It was also when Rang had stolen Yeon’s drink and had taken sips of it although Yeon didn’t mind he was just happy Rang was okay.
Reminiscing of this moment made Yeon teary eyed, in this photo Yeon and Rang were smiling at the camera and holding their drinks and although he didn’t see it then he knew what would happen later on and how it would play out but at that moment. Seeing his younger brother smile was all that mattered. Yeon took one last glance at the picture before putting it back in his notebook, closing it and putting it in his bag. Yeon reached into the smaller pocket of his bag and noticed he had earbuds small ones but it was good enough. He connected the earbuds to his laptop and placed the small earbuds in his ears. Then Yeon opened his laptop, clicking on an app which started playing music. Yeon smiled slightly and then he was off to work on his book.
—-—————-
Yeon didn’t know how it happened or when it happened but he suddenly found himself in a house, he had seen this house before it was familiar but he couldn’t quiet guess where he was. The house was big with lots of rooms Yeon entered one of the rooms after hearing someone’s sobs. He slowly opened the door to the room and immediately stopped in his tracks after seeing who it was; Lee Rang. Yeon’s eyes widened and he let out a gasp as he saw his younger brother curled up, his head on his knees crying. He had never seen his brother cry like this, he had seen his brother cry a lot but never painfully like this.
Yeon slowly made his way to Rang who didn’t notice him as Yeon sat down beside the younger who kept crying and saying it was his fault. Yeon understood what Rang meant but it wasn’t Rang’s fault how could he think that? Yeon’s hands were shaky but he managed to bring his hand to rest on Rang’s back. Rang stiffened a little but didn’t bring his head up to see who it was. Yeon breathed in and out before he spoke.
“Rang-ah it wasn’t your fault.. don’t blame yourself. You have to be okay for me please.” Yeon spoke hearing his voice crack at the last lines.
Rang suddenly brought his head up and met eyes with Yeon who had now a few tears falling from his eyes. Rang couldn’t believe it he was shaking his head and muttering “No no it’s not real.” Over and over again and it broke Yeon’s heart even more, just how much pain did his brother have to go to for him?
“Rang please it’s me. It’s Lee Yeon your brother, please don’t do this.” Yeon muttered as he watched as his younger brother put his hands on his ears and started shaking.
Yeon couldn’t stand it anymore his tears were now falling faster, and his eyes were red from the tears but he didn’t care. His brother mattered the most at this moment. Carefully he brought his shaky hands to Rang’s back and in a moment he pulled his younger brother into a tight embrace which shocked the younger who’s eyes widened as Rang gently hugged Yeon back.
“Yeon… it’s really you, you came back.. thank you.” Rang muttered silently as he rested his head on Yeon’s shoulder and closed his eyes.
Yeon nodded and whispered “Yes it’s me Rang-ah I’m not leaving any time soon it’s okay now.” To which Rang smiled and whispered “I know.” And before Yeon could speak once more Rang had already gone to dreamland.
——————
“Sir? Hello sir! The library is closed now are you alright sir?” A lady spoke to Yeon who had somehow fallen asleep, his head resting on the table with his earphones still in.
In a daze Yeon jolted up and met eyes with the woman, apologizing he told the woman he had lost track of time and although the woman didn’t push further she found it strange how he could have fallen asleep for almost all of the day. The woman left and Yeon took his earphones out and shoved them into the smaller pocket of his bag, he then took his laptop from the table and put it in his bag as well. After making sure he had put everything in his backpack Yeon once again apologized and thanked the librarian who told him it wasn’t a problem, and with that Yeon left the library and headed home. By the time Yeon made it home Ji ah had already gotten home early and was sitting down on their bed reading a book when she noticed Yeon.
“Yeon! Where have you been you know it’s already six?” Ji ah spoke as she put her book down and stared at Yeon who simply stared back at her before putting his backpack down beside the desk and sitting down at the edge of the bed.
“I fell asleep and lost track of time Ji ah I’m sorry.” Yeon uttered as Ji ah nodded in understanding.
“It happens don’t worry darling do you want anything I can make you something really quick.” Ji ah spoke as she smiled at Yeon who was looking down and avoiding eye contact.
Then after a few seconds of silence Yeon looked up and met eyes with Ji ah before he told her what’s on his mind.
“I saw him, Rang. It felt so real Ji ah he was crying about.. me and I comforted him I hugged him Ji ah, he was real he said my name and he recognized me it.. it was real I’m sure of it Ji ah.” Yeon spoke almost too fast for Ji ah to process everything.
“Yeon.. it was your dream Rang is dead and you know it, there’s nothing bringing him back baby I’m sorry.” Ji ah spoke softly as if to soothe Yeon who looked at her in a way she couldn’t quiet understand.
“If wasn’t just a dream Ji ah! It was real I felt him, I held him Ji ah it was real don’t tell me it wasn’t.” Yeon insisted as he got up from the bed abruptly and Ji ah stared at him in silence.
“Yeon please, it’s been two years you have to get past this please for me Rang wouldn’t want this.” Ji ah pleaded with Yeon who stared at her silently before speaking.
“What? How could you say that to me Ji ah this is my brother we are talking about, my little brother you think I can just forget about? He gave up his life for me, for us you don’t have a right to say that.” Yeon snapped at Ji Ah.
“I just- you need to forget about him Yeon it’s not good for you.” Ji ah spoke as Yeon shook his head.
“He’s my only family Ji ah, I swore to project him you wouldn’t know that.” Yeon muttered silently before he left the room, slamming the door behind him.
Yeon needed to be alone for now, Ji ah had always been clear about how Yeon needed to forget Rang but how could he when Rang was his only family? How could Yeon ever forgive himself for putting his brother through unimaginable pain for so long? There was no second chances, no Yeon didn’t get that he wanted to change the way it ended but how could he change the ending to a story which isn’t his?
Sighing Yeon made his way to the couch in the living room and plopped down. He had a lot of his mind and wanted to be alone. Although Yeon had fallen asleep while working, the dream he had was real and he knew it was real but just how would he prove that? Yeon stared at the ceiling before closing his eyes and wishing for the one thing he knew he could never have.
“To anyone who can hear me, just once chance. One chance to meet my little brother again and just see him one more time, please it’s all I ask for just one chance.” Yeon muttered as he recited the words. With this wish of his Yeon let himself go as he fell into a deep slumber once more.
———•——-
Yeon awoke in a weird place, he hadn’t quiet understood how he had gotten in a closet of all places but he didn’t have time to think before he saw him, and his entire world stopped once more, it was Rang. Rang was sitting on the floor his head in his knees and he was crying, Yeon was surprised is this another dream? he thought as he decided to wait for a while to see what would happen.
Then abruptly there was a knock on the door, Rang lifted his head up and yelled a “Go away!” Before the person on the other end opened the door.
“Rang, come on you need to stop drinking Lee Yeon wouldn’t want this.” The voice spoke as Yeon recognized it almost immediately; Shin Joo. This time there was no doubt that this wasn’t real.
“Leave me alone just leave.” Rang spoke as he stumbled on his words.
Shin joo sighed and told Rang to eat something, before he closed the door and left the house with Yuri. Shin joo had told Yeon how hard it was for Rang to cope with the aftermath of everything. And now Yeon can finally understand that.
Yeon watched as Rang stood up and stumbled before falling on the ground with a loud thud, it pained Yeon seeing his brother like this he wanted to run to his brother, hug him and say it’s okay, that he’s okay that everything will be okay yet he himself didn’t know the answer to that question, nor did he know if this was real and if it is at what cost?
Yeon couldn’t bare seeing his brother like that anymore so he opened the closet door, making his way to Rang who laid on the floor with his eyes closed. Yeon took a look around the messy room and noticed multiple bottles of alcohol amongst other things, Yeon couldn’t help but wonder how long Rang had been drinking and ridding himself of his feelings.
When Yeon turned his attention back to Rang he noticed the younger had opened his eyes, adjusting to his surroundings. Yeon’s eyes widened he didn’t know what to say or do, he froze as Rang sat up and slowly met eyes with Yeon. Time stopped, it wasn’t until a couple of seconds when Rang had fully came to terms with who was in front of him. Rang got up immediately, although he was still dizzy from all the drinking he was sure it was him, he was sure it was Yeon. Neither spoke for a while until Rang finally breathed in and out before speaking.
“Yeon, is it really you? But how can it be you- you died.” Rang spoke his voice was shaky.
Yeon stepped closer to Rang before speaking. “Rang-ah it’s really me..” Yeon uttered as Rang seemed to be in a daze.
“What? What are you talking about you’re not Yeon are you? You’re not my brother he’s dead..” Rang stepped back and shook his head
Rang’s words pained Yeon but he didn’t show it now wasn’t the time to be upset, he needed to tell his younger brother everything will be okay that he will protect him.
“Rang-ah listen to me okay it’s going to sound strange but I need you to-“ Yeon’s words were interrupted by Rang’s scream.
“NO! Your not my brother, your not Yeon who are you what do you want from me!” Rang yelled as he stumbled backwards barley holding himself upwards.
“Please Rang-ah, I just want to help you I just need to tell you it’s okay it’s not your fault.” Yeon muttered as he watched Rang breathe in and out.
“How is it possible Yeon? You died and I saw it, I saw it with my own eyes.” Rang muttered as Yeon sighed.
“I will explain everything Rang just please promise me you won’t leave again okay?”Yeon spoke as he started at Rang.
“Leave, what do you mean? did something happen?” Rang spoke slowly as he had calmed down a bit yet still confused as ever.
Yeon looked down and breathed deeply, for all he knows this could be a test or even a dream that feels real. Yeon didn’t know if his brother was really standing in front of him, but he chose to believe it because the tiny hope he had been holding onto to had been finally answered. Yet there had to be some sort of price to it, Yeon knew only that much. Yeon decided it was best to keep Rang hidden of his intentions to keep him safe and also so he could figure out just what his mission is.
“Nothing don’t worry about it Rang-ah just know that you aren’t alone okay? I’m here I have never abandoned you nor will I leave you again but you have to look me in the eyes and tell me the same thing.” Yeon spoke as he stared at Rang’s stunned face.
“I promise I won’t leave you Yeon.” Rang muttered as Yeon smiled slightly and whispered a “Thank you.”
“So will you explain to me what’s going on now Yeon?” Rang spoke as he reminded Yeon who simply sat down on Rang‘s bed and patting the spot next to him so Rang could sit beside him.
Rang sat down on the bed as Yeon began explaining a long and complicated story which in the end Rang could only understand bits of Yeon’s words but he understood enough to make some sense of it.
“So you aren’t Lee Yeon from this timeline you’re Lee Yeon from the future, more specifically two years in the future? And something big happens that you want to prevent so that’s why you’re here now to try and change the future?” Rang uttered as Yeon nodded.
“Pretty much yeah but I don’t know how to well change the future really, I don’t know how much time I have nor how to” Yeon responded.
“Well maybe you can start by looking around perhaps you’ll find some answers.” Rang replied as he laid down on the bed and closed his eyes.
Yeon exhaled deeply as he looked around the room. If this was really real and if he was given a second chance he needed to figure out how exactly he could and how much time he had because of course everything had to come with a price, which Yeon had no clue about.
Yeon walked to the desk in the corner of the room and pulled one of the drawers revealing nothing but notebooks, pens, and a calendar. Yeon picked the small calendar and read the date; November 16th 2020. His eyes widened as he put the calendar back and closed the drawer. Yeon paced around the room trying to remember the exact date of when he was brought back, he pondered on it for a while before he realized.
Two weeks. It was two weeks before his brother sacrificed himself for him. Yeon needed to fix everything in two weeks, assuring that his brother won’t sacrifice himself for him while also making sure he’s safe. Yeon knew it would be difficult but he had to try, he would do anything to change his brother’s fate, anything to keep Rang safe.
Yeon glanced at Rang who laid on the bed, his eyes closed and breathing slowly. Suddenly Yeon got worried, he rushed over to Rang and started calling his name.
“Rang? Rang-ah? Are you okay? Rang!” Yeon kept calling Rang’s name but there was no answer, worrying Yeon even more.
Yeon was about to freak out when he heard Rang’s soft snores and realized his brother was just asleep, relief washing over him Yeon pulled up the blanket, covering Rang so he wouldn’t get cold. Yeon sat on the floor beside Rang’s bedside as he brushed a few strands of hair from Rang’s face and sighed.
“I promise you Rang, this time it’ll be different I won’t leave you, I’ll protect you I promise you Rang-ah.” Yeon muttered softly as he continued to brush strands of hair away from Rang’s face.
Yeon then got up and after taking one last glance at his sleeping brother, he left the room and closed the door behind him. He needed to figure out what to do next and how. Yeon paced around thinking about what to do when he was suddenly reminded of Ji ah. As of now the only one who knows of Yeon’s reappearance is Rang and no one else. Yeon needed to see Ji ah so he took a small piece of paper and wrote down where he would be so Rang would see it when he woke up. Then Yeon quietly made his way to the front door, opened it and stepped into the outside world.
—-————-
It had been a couple of months since Yeon’s death and Ji ah learned to adapt. It wasn’t easy when her lover left her with only a note but she eventually had to accept it and move forward because that’s what Yeon would’ve wanted. She started writing a book about Yeon and his story, she wanted the world to know about Yeon and how much he was an inspiration to her. She always kept Yeon’s fox keychain with her as it reminded her of him and their moments together.
She always remembered Yeon every day and never once forgot about him. His words and his moments spend with her gave her strength to keep going. She worked most of the time and on her spare time she wrote her books, she visited Rang and Shinjoo sometimes and spend the day with them listening to their ever so entertaining stories, and in doing all this she learned to appreciate the little things, to appreciate life and it’s moments because you’ll never know when you’ll lose the one you love the most.
Ji ah had often off of work early today and was on her way home. The streets were bustling as always and the sun was shining brightly, she smiled as she walked happily. Suddenly she felt a presence behind her and she stopped walking. Her expression had turned serious and she slowly but cautiously turned around and met eyes with Lee Yeon.
Ji ah was silent for a while, she didn’t dare move nor speak a word until Yeon himself spoke up. “Ji ah- it’s really me. I know it’s hard to believe but it’s really me.” Yeon uttered.
Ji ah didn’t say anything, all she did was smile and immediately hug Yeon. Yeon’s eyes widened but he hugged her back and the two embraced for a while, Ji ah resting her head on Yeon’s shoulder. Then after some time the two pulled away and Ji ah finally spoke.
“I knew you would come back Yeon, someday. I don’t know how but all that matters is that you’re here now.” Ji ah spoke as she her eyes stayed on Yeon’s.
Yeon smiled softly and Ji ah took his hand as the two walked hand in hand to Ji ah’s house. Once they got there Yeon was quite surprised by Ji ah’s house, a big house but there was only one person.
“I waited for you Yeon, I knew you would come back someday so I got a house for us to live in together when you came back. That’s why there’s lots of space.” Ji ah explained to Yeon.
Yeon nodded and smiled, he didn’t know why but he missed this Ji ah, the once happy and carefree Ji ah he no longer saw in the present.
“So Yeon does anyone else know you’re back? Did you meet your brother?” Ji ah asked as she sat down at her desk in her room.
Yeon nodded and answered. “I saw Rang-ah and I need you to promise me something Ji ah.” Yeon spoke slowly so Ji ah could understand.
Ji ah nodded and Yeon continued. “Whatever happens promise me that you’ll protect Rang and be there for him. I can’t- no I won’t lose him again.” Yeon spoke softly.
Ji ah was silent for some time before she finally spoke. “Yeon I don’t understand? Did something happen?”
Yeon sighed as he took a seat on the small chair beside Ji ah, at her desk. Then after contemplating for a while he decided to tell Ji ah almost everything. After a long time explaining Yeon looked at Ji ah who seems stunned but tried her best not to show it.
“So what I’m getting is that your not Yeon from this timeline but Yeon from the future and you’ve come here because you wished for one more chance to make things right, to change your past choices right?” Ji ah spoke, explaining Yeon’s story in her own way to which Yeon nodded.
“That’s precisely it.” Yeon spoke but Ji ah seemed to have something more to say.
“Then.. what does Rang have to do with this? Does something happen to Rang that you need to prevent?” Ji ah asked as Yeon looked down and avoided Ji ah’s eyes.
“He sacrifices himself for me Ji ah, to bring me back in exchange for his life. I can’t allow him to do that again Ji ah, not after everything, not after I told him I hadn’t abandoned him and promised him I would be by his side Ji ah.” Yeon spoke pleadingly with Ji ah, in an effort to make her understand better and he succeeded.
“I understand Yeon. We’ll find a way Yeon, we can save Rang.” Ji ah spoke as tried to soothe Yeon.
“There’s a catch Ji ah. I only have two weeks. Two weeks to save Rang, I was given a second chance and I need to make it right.” Yeon muttered as he glanced up and met eyes with Ji ah.
Yeon waited for Ji ah to say anything but she didn’t, all she did was stare at him before she got up and walked past him into the living room. Yeon was a bit confused but he followed Ji ah anyway. Ji ah poured herself a cup of coffee from the coffee maker before she made her way to the dining table and sat down, Yeon soon followed and sat down in front of her after a few minutes of silence Ji ah spoke up.
“I trust you Yeon, and I trust that you’ll find a way and I’ll be there for you every step of the way I will be there to support you Yeon.” Ji ah spoke, her voice slightly changed than before.
Yeon smiled softly, he knew that whatever choice he would make it would lead to a different outcome each time. But the one choice he knew he had to make was the choice to save his brother, by any way possible. He had one more chance, one more chance to make it right and he couldn’t risk losing it, not after everything.
“Thank you Ji ah, I knew you’d understand.” Yeon spoke his voice was steady as he gazed into Ji ah’s eyes.
Suddenly Yeon’s phone started ringing, he hadn’t even noticed his phone at been with him until now. Carefully he reached into his pants pocket and took his phone out, his eyes widened when he noticed who the caller was; Rang.
Yeon excused himself to Ji ah and told her he would see her soon, Ji ah nodded and they said their goodbyes, they hugged and soon Yeon dashed out of Ji ah’s house his phone to his ear as he answered Rang.
“Rang-ah! What’s wrong is everything okay are you okay?!” Yeon immediately yelled on the phone to Rang as soon as he pressed accept.
There was silence on the other end of the line before a voice spoke. “Lee Yeon? Is it really you?” The voice spoke and Yeon stopped in his tracks when he heard the voice.
“Shin Joo.. yes it’s me.” Yeon spoke as he waited for a response from Shin joo.
“I can’t believe it how is it even possible Yeon. Who else knows and why didn’t you tell me!” Shin joo yelled on the phone to which Yeon pulled the phone away from his ear and sighed.
“Shin joo only Rang and Ji ah know as of right now and they will tell you but right now is Rang okay?” Yeon spoke as he continued walking.
“I don’t know what came over me when I picked up Rang’s phone and I called you Yeon, I just thought of your voice and I called I hadn’t even know you’d come back.. I didn’t know it was real.” Shin joo spoke his voice cracking slightly.
Yeon took a deep breath and answered Shin joo. “I’m here now Shin joo, I give you my word I will make things right Shin joo.”
It was silent for a sometime before Shin joo finally spoke once more. “I believe you Yeon, whatever you do I trust in your decision I just hope that there won’t be a repercussion.”
“Thank you Shin joo, and Rang-ah?” Yeon replied.
“He’s fine don’t worry, he fell asleep and Yuri and I came back just as he had woken up, the two are talking now. Rang was the one who told Yuri and I that you had come back and I didn’t believe it at first, but now I believe it, even if it may be an effect of one of your choices Yeon.” Shin joo expressed.
“We’ll talk soon Shin joo, I’ll be at the house shortly, until then look after Rang he needs it.” Yeon responded as he ended the call and put his phone back in his pocket and continued his way to the house.
-———-
“So what did he say Shin joo?” Yuri asked as she eyed Shin joo intensely.
“He cut the phone and it’s not my place but if it’s really Yeon he seems..” Shin joo paused for a moment before continuing.
“He seems off, all he asks about is Rang which seems fine but he has never done that before, he’s never asked about Rang in such a worrying way and he’s never asked more than once.” Shin joo uttered as Yuri stared at him with an expression he couldn’t quite make out.
“It’s him Shin joo, it’s my brother, it’s Yeon I know it’s him.” Rang muttered as he rubbed his eyes tiredly.
Before anyone could say anything more, Yeon rushed into the house breathless as he had ran a lot. All three turned their heads to Yeon’s direction as they were all stunned.
“Lee Yeon-nim! It’s really you- oh my gosh.” Shin joo exclaimed as he ran to Yeon and embraced him much to Yeon’s shock, but he soon returned the hug.
“Glad to see you and Yuri again, I missed you two’s bickering.” Yeon spoke as he grinned while Yuri rolled her eyes but smiled as well.
While the trio caught up and chatted Yeon took quick glances at Rang’s direction but it seemed the younger was back to sleeping already as the younger had his eyes closed and was slouched on the bed practically about to fall.
Soon Yuri told Yeon her and Shin joo were going to head out and Yeon thanked them for understanding and told them he would see them soon which Shin joo responded with “You better!” Before he hugged Yeon tightly once more as Yeon returned the hug and smiled. Then just as quickly as the reunion started it ended as the two said their goodbyes to Yeon and left.
After Yuri and Shin joo left Yeon made his way to Rang. Carefully Yeon tapped Rang on the shoulder as he tried to wake the younger up. When that didn’t work Yeon decided to take Rang’s hand and pull him up to stir him awake but as he grabbed Rang’s hand, Rang pulled away immediately and jolted up.
“Yah! Yeon what are you doing and when did you get here?” Rang spoke hurriedly.
“Sorry I just wanted to wake you up Rang-ah, I got here a little while ago I talked to Yuri and Shinjoo it was nice to catch up with them.” Yeon responded as Rang stared at him with a look Yeon couldn’t understand.
Rang then sat straight up on the bed and breathed deeply before he asked Yeon the question Yeon knew he was going to have to answer at some point.
“Yeon, why did you do it? You know with Imoogi why didn’t you tell me about your plan to kill Imoogi but in doing so you were doing to die as well, I watched you die Yeon. You left me.. twice.” Rang spoke, his words filled with sadness.
Yeon didn’t speak for a while, he sat on the side of the bed next to Rang who just started at him waiting for an answer. Yeon stayed silent for a few more minutes before he finally spoke.
“I wanted to protect everyone, and most importantly I wanted to protect you Rang-ah. I didn’t want Imoogi to hurt any of you any longer so I took it upon myself to bring it all to an end no matter the end result, I knew going up against Imoogi that there was no backing out, there was no chances I would make it out but I was glad, because I had made a promise to myself my dear Rang. A promise that I would keep everyone I love safe, and I did and for that I was happy.” Yeon uttered, his voice was steady and filled with sorrow.
Rang hadn’t even realized his eyes had become blurry and tears had begun falling from his eyes but it didn’t matter to him, not anymore.
“I guess I was foolish to believe you weren’t going to leave again, I was foolish to think you wouldn’t do what you did all those years ago when you left me in the forest of the starved Yeon.” Rang responded with his voice cracking at the end of his sentence.
“Rang please listen to me, I didn’t abandon you I tried to look for you then I have told you this, I needed to keep you safe Rang that’s why I didn’t tell you about me and Imoogi, you need to understand this Rang. And I promise you Rang-ah I will not leave you this time, I give you my word. I will find a way to stay, I will not leave you again.” Yeon spoke with new found determination which Rang felt somewhat at ease about.
“Whenever, and wherever I will always be by your side Rang remember that.” Yeon muttered as he wiped away Rang’s tears from his face and without saying anything Rang hugged Yeon in a tight hug.
Although surprised Yeon leaned into the hug, smiling as he patted his younger brother on the back, soothing the younger. Rang’s eyes were closed, and his head was on Yeon’s shoulder as the two stayed like that for a while before the two pulled away.
“You know Rangie, you try to be all cool but deep down you are so cute.” Yeon spoke as he grinned, while Rang’s eyes widened.
“Yah! Yeon don’t say things like that you make me sick.” Rang spoke as he rolled his eyes but deep down he was happy.
It was moments like this where Rang felt genuine happiness something he barley experienced. Rang spend most of his time with Yuri, Shinjoo and Soo oh, and with all the moments he spend with them he started to feel again. Feel happiness and feel what he hadn’t felt in a long time; To feel loved. They were almost like his family but in the end Rang was willing to do anything to save his only family; Yeon. Rang grew attached to Yeon ever since Yeon saved him in the forest of the starved when he was just a child. Little Rang instantly grew close to Yeon as the two spend almost every day together, until Yeon disappeared.
Rang had been abandoned by his mother and dreaded being abandoned again, so when he couldn’t find Yeon when the villagers set fire to the forest he could only sit there for a while then run away hoping his brother would come and save him, only he didn’t for a while. Then when the two reunited Rang felt safe again, he clung on to his brother never wanting him to leave him again but at that point Rang had a rage, a rage that was getting bigger than his ability to love. With no choice Yeon made an unthinkable decision that led Rang to have a hatred for humans and his brother.
But deep down Rang never hated his brother, never despised him. How could he? Yeon was his only family and all Rang longed for was to be loved by his brother, and for his brother to care about him more than he cared about Ji ah. There was time where Rang absolutely despised Ji ah. He despised her because Yeon chose her over him, Yeon had abandoned him for her and because of that Rang rebelled.
It wasn’t until Rang found out the truth that he really decided to feel again and try to reestablish his relationship with Yeon even if they only interacted a few times because Yeon had been too preoccupied with finding Imoogi and helping Ji ah. But the moments Rang spend with Yeon were all dear to him, he cherished them and soon his rage and hatred for Yeon died down and the two made amends but the one thing Yeon would never tell Rang was what he’d do next, and what would happen to him. Maybe it was because of his selflessness in which Yeon tried to save everybody but himself but Rang always knew that his brother would save the world before himself, but he couldn’t let his brother do that not after everything.
“Rang? Rang-ah? Rang!!” A voice snapped Rang out of his thoughts as he turned his head to the voice; Yeon, who was staring at him with concern in his eyes.
“Sorry- sorry Yeon I was just thinking about the past.” Rang responded as he ran his fingers through his hair.
There was a brief pause from Yeon before he replied. “The past? Why?”
“Just thinking about how you left me in the forest of the starved while you searched for your dear lover Yeon, great times really.” Rang responded with a sarcastic grin as Yeon sighed and opened his month to speak but Rang got up from the bed and walked out the door leaving Yeon alone.
Yeon sighed as he watched Rang disappear into the hallway. Even after everything Rang still had the time to joke around which Yeon seemed to admire about his brother, his sense of humour even in the moments of darkness was enlightening to see, it showed that Rang was strong even in moments of despair, something Yeon wanted to learn from Rang.
Yeon got up from the bed as well, and smiling he made his way to the hallway. Then abruptly Yeon stopped, after hearing a thud his smile faded away as his eyes widened at the sight in front of him. Rang was laying on the floor red pooling from underneath him and his eyes were closed,
Yeon immediately ran to Rang, crouching down and almost screaming when he saw just how much blood had been pooling out, it was so much Yeon didn’t even know if Rang was alive or not at this point. Shakily Yeon brought his hand up to Rang’s neck and checked for a pulse, there was a pulse but it was very weak. Then Yeon carefully lifted Rang up so his head was now on Yeon’s lap. With trembling hands Yeon brought his fingers to Rang’s face and held it.
“Rang- Rang-ah? Rang-ah can you hear me? Please… answer me it’s Yeon what happened-“ Yeon muttered shakily his voice was barely audible as he tried to understand what was happening.
Rang didn’t answer, nor move and Yeon grew more anxious he didn’t know if he should get up and lift Rang up or stay in the same place. He hadn’t even known what had happened one second he was talking with Rang and the next his brother was on the floor with blood pooling underneath him.
Yeon tried to stay calm but his emotions were getting the best of him. And as his tears streamed down his face he noticed Rang’s head had fallen back and he had gone limp which scared Yeon.
“Rang? Rang-ah? RANG! LEE RANG!” Yeon started screaming frantically as he shook Rang’s shoulder’s but nothing was working.
Yeon’s breathing was erratic and he couldn’t concentrate properly but he needed to help Rang, it shouldn’t have been like this. How could this happen? There were so many questions that Yeon had but he had no answers to any. Then out of the corner of his eye Yeon noticed a figure approach him slowly and when he looked up he met eyes with a woman who had short dark black hair and eyes even darker than the night sky.
“It’s a shame Lee Yeon, it was always going to end up like this. Your brother is going to die either way Lee Yeon you can’t save him, you keep thinking you can but that thought of yours could lead to something worse.” The woman spoke as she shook her head.
“Please, whoever you are I plead with you please bring my brother back it wasn’t supposed to end like this I-“ Yeon paused as the woman stared at him with intrigue.
“You what?” The woman asked as Yeon continued.
“I made a wish, one more chance to make it right, I made a promise I wouldn’t leave Rang again I promised him, and I can’t no I won’t leave him again so please bring him back I have two weeks, two weeks only to save my brother from sacrificing himself for me I need to save him I promised him.” Yeon pleaded with the woman who seemed speechless until she spoke was more in her demeaning tone.
“Very well then Lee Yeon, you passed. Don’t worry your dear little brother is still alive but time’s running out, you think you have it all under control but two weeks? Are you sure you can save your brother in two weeks?” The woman spoke again as she furrowed her eyebrows, her eyes piercing into Yeon’s.
“I have to try, I will do anything.” Yeon replied as he wiped his eyes and tear stained cheek before looking down at Rang in his arms.
“No I won’t try, I will save him. No matter what happens I will save him I don’t care what happens to me, but all I want is for Rang to be safe.” Yeon spoke his voice was steady.
The woman didn’t speak for a while until she finally opened her mouth. “Interesting, I guess I’ll be seeing you more often Lee Yeon. I hope what you’re saying is true, you only ever get another chance at making it right if your lucky so don’t fuck it up.” The woman spoke as she laughed and then stopped and sighed.
“Anyways see you soon Lee Yeon, look after your brother carefully he might do something unexpected.” The woman spoke was more and with that she snapped her fingers twice and everything faded away.
“Yeon? Hello- YEON!! Wake up!” A voice startled Yeon up, as he jolted up from his slouched position on the bed not even noticing he fell asleep.
When Yeon finally registered his surroundings he recognized the voice as Rang’s and immediately a wave of relief washed over him, Rang was okay. Yeon looked around the room and peaked out the open door to the hallway, nobody was there.
Then with a wave of relief, Yeon met eyes with Rang’s confused look.
Yeon didn’t think twice as he immediately pulled Rang into a hug and embraced him tightly, to which Rang returned the hug although he was still confused he figured Yeon needed this, and when they finally parted Rang asked Yeon what was on his mind. Yeon stared long and hard and his younger brother who stared right back at him with a confused look. Then finally Yeon spoke up breaking the silence.
“Rang listen to me okay really listen to me, I know it sounds weird but I need you to stay with me the next couple of days okay? I’ll take you to Ji ah’s place and we can stay there but I just need to keep you safe and this is the only way.” Yeon spoke as he attempted to sound reasonable to Rang to which Rang simply blinked at him a few times before speaking.
“Yeon, I appreciate it but I don’t need a chaperone. And what is it you need to keep me safe from? Yeon is there something you aren’t telling me or are you just scared I’m going to do something stupid?” Rang replied with sarcasm on the last line but Yeon knew more than that.
“Just please Rang-ah you trust me right? Please just this once.” Yeon pleaded with his younger brother as Rang looked at Yeon with an expression he couldn’t tell before he finally responded.
“Okay just this once I’ll stay over for a sleepover at Ji ah’s with you Yeon but only this once.” Rang replied as he shook his head and Yeon smiled thanking his brother.
Yeon knew that this plan would either backfire or reciprocate but all that mattered in Yeon’s mind was to keep Rang safe from any surprises. That woman he had encountered let him go off this time but the next time? There isn’t a chance she’ll let him off the hook that easy. Her words meant that Rang was going to go down the same path either way and Yeon could not help that because in a twisted way it’s Rang’s destiny but Yeon? He knew that wasn’t true. Yeon would prove that, he would prove that he could change his brother’s fate and save him no matter what, because Yeon would save Rang or he would die trying.